Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, courts of justice serve as a significant metaphor for the divine judgment that is to come at the end of the age. The concept of earthly justice, as administered through courts, provides a tangible illustration of the Last Judgment, where God will execute perfect justice.Old Testament Context The Old Testament lays the foundation for understanding justice through the establishment of courts and judges among the Israelites. Moses, under God's direction, appointed judges to hear cases and administer justice according to God's laws (Exodus 18:13-26). These judges were to be impartial, fearing God and rejecting bribes, as seen in Deuteronomy 16:18-20: "Appoint judges and officials for each of your tribes in every town the LORD your God is giving you, and they shall judge the people fairly. Do not pervert justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the innocent." The role of judges and courts in Israel was to reflect God's justice, serving as a precursor to the ultimate judgment that God Himself would execute. The prophets often called the people back to true justice, emphasizing that God is the ultimate judge who sees beyond outward appearances (1 Samuel 16:7). New Testament Revelation In the New Testament, the imagery of courts and judgment is further developed, particularly in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus frequently spoke of a coming day of judgment, using parables and direct teaching to illustrate the certainty and nature of this event. In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus describes the separation of the righteous from the wicked, akin to a shepherd separating sheep from goats, highlighting the finality and righteousness of God's judgment. The apostle Paul also speaks of the judgment seat of Christ, where each person will receive what is due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad (2 Corinthians 5:10). This imagery of a judicial proceeding underscores the accountability each individual has before God. The Last Judgment The Book of Revelation provides a vivid depiction of the Last Judgment, where God, the ultimate judge, will execute justice. Revelation 20:11-15 describes a great white throne and the One seated on it, before whom the dead are judged according to their deeds, as recorded in the books. This scene mirrors the solemnity and gravity of a court of justice, where evidence is presented, and a final verdict is rendered. The Last Judgment is characterized by its thoroughness and fairness, as God judges not only actions but also the intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:13 states, "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account." Illustrative Parables Jesus' parables often use the setting of a court or a judge to illustrate divine judgment. The Parable of the Unjust Judge (Luke 18:1-8) contrasts an earthly judge with God, emphasizing that God will bring about justice for His chosen ones. Similarly, the Parable of the Wedding Banquet (Matthew 22:1-14) ends with a judgment scene where a guest without wedding clothes is cast out, symbolizing the exclusion of those unprepared for the kingdom of heaven. Conclusion The biblical portrayal of courts of justice serves as a powerful illustration of the Last Judgment. Through the imagery of judges, courts, and legal proceedings, Scripture communicates the certainty, righteousness, and impartiality of God's final judgment. This theme calls believers to live in light of the coming judgment, pursuing justice, righteousness, and faithfulness in their own lives. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 19:28And Jesus said to them, Truly I say to you, That you which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, you also shall sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 14:10 1 Corinthians 6:2 Library The Third Day in Passion-Week - the Last Controversies and ... The Holy War, Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ... Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ... Church Fabrics and Services. Solomon's Temple Spiritualized Memoir of John Bunyan Resources What are the courts of heaven? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the money changers in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that “zeal for your house will consume me” in John 2:17? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Courts of Justice of the Romans in Judea: Appeals From, Made to the Emperor Courts of Justice of the Romans in Judea: Could Alone Award Death Courts of Justice of the Romans in Judea: Never Examined Their own Citizens by Torture Courts of Justice of the Romans in Judea: Never Interfered in Any Dispute About Minor Matters Or Courts of Justice of the Romans in Judea: Place of, Called the Hall of Judgment Courts of Justice of the Romans in Judea: Presided Over by the Governor or Deputy Courts of Justice: Both the Accusers and Accused Required to Appear Before Courts of Justice: Causes In, Were Opened by an Advocate Courts of Justice: Causes In, Were Opened by The Complainant Courts of Justice: Corruption and Bribery often Practised In Courts of Justice: False Witnesses in to Receive the Punishment of the Accused Courts of Justice: Generally Held in the Morning Courts of Justice: Have Authority from God Courts of Justice: Inferior Court in all Cities Courts of Justice: Inferior Court: All Minor Cases Decided By Courts of Justice: Inferior Court: All Transfers of Property Made Before Courts of Justice: Inferior Court: Held at the Gates Courts of Justice: Inferior Court: Judges of, Appointed by the Governor Courts of Justice: Judges of Called Elders Courts of Justice: Judges of Called Magistrates Courts of Justice: Judges of Conferred Together Before Giving Judgment Courts of Justice: Judges of Examined the Parties Courts of Justice: Judges of not to Take Bribes Courts of Justice: Judges of Pronounced the Judgment of the Court Courts of Justice: Judges of Rode often on White Asses Courts of Justice: Judges of Sat on the Judgment-Seat While Hearing Causes Courts of Justice: Judges of To Decide According to the Law Courts of Justice: Judges of To Investigate Every Case Courts of Justice: Judges of To Judge As for God Courts of Justice: Judges of To Judge Righteously Courts of Justice: Judges of To Judge Without Respect of Persons Courts of Justice: Judges of To Promote Peace Courts of Justice: Probably Derived from the Seventy Elders Appointed by Moses Courts of Justice: Provided With: Judges Courts of Justice: Provided With: Officers Courts of Justice: Provided With: Tormentors or Executioners Courts of Justice: Re-Established by Ezra Courts of Justice: Re-Established by Jehoshaphat Courts of Justice: Sanhedrim or Court of the Seventy: Consisted of Chief Priest Courts of Justice: Sanhedrim or Court of the Seventy: Mentioned in the Latter Part of Sacred History Courts of Justice: Sanhedrim or Court of the Seventy: Presided Over by High Priest Courts of Justice: Sanhedrim or Court of the Seventy: Sat in High Priest's Palace Courts of Justice: Sometimes Held in Synagogues Courts of Justice: Superior Court: Consisted Subsequently of Priests and Levites Courts of Justice: Superior Court: Decided on all Appeals and Difficult Cases Courts of Justice: Superior Court: Decisions of, Conclusive Courts of Justice: Superior Court: Held at the Seat of Government Courts of Justice: Superior Court: Held First by Moses Alone in the Wilderness Courts of Justice: Superior Court: Presided Over by the Governor or the High Priest Courts of Justice: The Accused: Examined on Oath Courts of Justice: The Accused: Exhorted to Confess Courts of Justice: The Accused: Might Have Advocates Courts of Justice: The Accused: Permitted to Plead Their own Cause Courts of Justice: The Accused: Sometimes Examined by Torture Courts of Justice: The Accused: Sometimes Treated With Insult Courts of Justice: The Accused: Stood Before the Judge Courts of Justice: The Accused: The Evidence of Two or More Witnesses Required In Courts of Justice: The Accused: Witnesses Sometimes Laid Their Hands on the Criminal's Head Courts of Justice: The Judgment of Allusions To Courts of Justice: The Judgment of Illustrative of the Last Judgment Courts of Justice: The Judgment of Immediately Executed Courts of Justice: The Judgment of not Given Till Accused Was Heard Courts of Justice: The Judgment of Recorded in Writing Courts of Justice: The Judgment of Witnesses First to Execute Courtship: Ancient Customs of Women Proposed Marriage Related Terms |
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